Leaf

I woke up confused where I was for a while. I looked at the time, it was actually early. I needed to get my apartment because I had to take my t shot today. I couldn’t find Aster, so I found a paper and pencil and wrote them a little note thanking them for letting me stay. As I was going I made sure I locked her door as I was going out, walking the short distance to my apartment.

I climbed the stairs up, and pushed open my door. After I got settled I readied myself for my shot. It went how it always went. Quickly. After I put my band-aid on I realized I had slept in my binder, and I already felt sore. I went and took off my binder, hanging it up for later. Thankfully I didn’t have to work until much later today. I haven't been to work in a good week, I had taken off because I had several major assignments due.

I randomly remember about the candle I left in Aster’s car. It’s been a few weeks since I left it in there. I decided to text her about it, but beside that I didn’t really want to text her because she seemed busy with things.

Aster

I felt bad that I had to leave before Leaf woke up. I should have left a note or something, but I didn’t. The only text I had gotten from them is something about them leaving a candle in the back of my car. I would try to find it when I got off of work. I was with the boring girl today. I tried getting her to talk, but she never did say more than a word or two, so I stopped trying. Work dragged on slowly. It didn’t help that it was a very slow day today.

Leaf

It was almost time for me to start heading to work. I grabbed my binder, stripped out of my regular clothes and into my work clothes. I would be glad when I finally got a vehicle, preferably a car. I gathered my belongings that I would need to take to work and set off. It would soon become colder in the following month. Winter would be coming soon, and I would need to layer up, and become a nice shapeless blob, but right now I was good with just one hoodie.

I arrive at work thinking about how much Aster must trust me to leave me in her house alone. I hadn’t had anyone trust me that much, at least I don’t think I have. I realize that I was constantly thinking about Aster lately. Then it dawned on me, I have a crush, sometimes I’m oblivious to even my own feelings. That’s why I get so nervous at times around her, but I barely know her. I needed to get to know her more before anything. Maybe two months I thought, two months to figure out if I even have a chance with her. Even if there isn’t any I still want to be her friend, she was my only friend.

I was deep in thought for the day as I was working, barely paying attention to the customers, but enough to get my job done right. I liked her. I liked Aster. The beautiful and confident Aster. The tall and put together Aster, but also the Aster that wasn’t afraid to ask for help. The Aster that wasn’t scared to show her feelings. Aster, Aster, Aster… My mind was reeling at the realization. I wanted to text Aster again, but I didn’t know what to say now that I knew I liked her. I decided to wait until she texted me.

For the first day back to work I was not doing well, but it’s okay I was still doing a lot better than when I first started. I tried getting my mind off of Aster for a while but it just didn’t happen, so I just went with the flow.

Aster

Leaf hadn’t texted me since texting me about the candle they left in my car. I wondered if I did anything wrong or said something I shouldn’t have in a previous conversation. I was worrying too much. I'm sure Leaf was just busy. Leaf did tell me that he was starting work again soon. I was worrying. What if something happened to him?

I realized I had started switching pronouns in my head for Leaf. Leaf did ask that I used more than just they/them. Leaf also asked me to help them try out neo-pronouns. I wasn’t used to using neo-pronouns, but I was trying to use them in my thoughts too, to help me out when I’m talking about them. I still mainly used they/them, but I am trying to use different pronouns for faer.

I was working a double shift today so I wouldn’t get off until later when we switched with the night shift. I hoped Leaf would text me by then.

Leaf

I got off of work later then what was scheduled because of a small rush right before I went to clock off. I hadn’t texted Aster almost all day, but I didn’t know what to text, and I didn’t want to bother her. I knew I would be awkward if I did, she would probably tell that something was up if I did.

I stepped out of the shower and started drying off. I was tired, I had been overthinking a lot today. I was both mentally and physically exhausted. I set my alarm before flopping into bed and melting into it.

Aster

Leaf still hadn’t texted me by the time I had gotten off of work. I pet Charcoal while staring at my phone. I was being overly worried. I was sure everything was fine, but I couldn’t shake why I was so worried. I knew I wasn’t being rational so I decided just to get some sleep, and text Leaf in the morning to check in on him.